Discussions By Condition: I cannot get a diagnosis.

Leg and foot numbness with severe back pain

On May 30th of 2005 I tripped over a make shift gate I created from a door in my home to prevent my dog's litter of puppies from roaming the house. My left leg got hung up on the door as I fell landing very hard face forward. I was knocked unconcious.When I awoke I had Severe swelling in my left hip and numbness throughout my groin area and down my left leg and top of my foot. I sought medical help and no x-rays were taken, instead I was sent home with a prescription for pain.A Month passed, I returned to my doctor who had me see a Orthopedic, he in turn asked me if I had been prescribed anything for inflammation. I replied " No." He also asked me what my x-rays looked like. I told him none were taken. He then prescribed me 2600 miligrams of Ibupohren a day with instructions to return if my condition worsened. Fed up I went to the ER at our local hospital for x-rays. Only lower back x-tays were taken. Presidone 10mg was prescribed.Severe bruising of the hip with advanced arthritis of my lower back were seen. Now, the numbness spread to my right foot, along with pain and burning at times. I am bent over always in pain.The numbeness then spread to my right hand with tingling and then to my left hand.I got myself a New Doctor who is having me see a Neurologist. To date I have had 3 MRIS of my back and one of my brain. I now walk with a cane. MRI for the brain was normal.I take Pain med and Lycria for nerve pain.Cervical MRI at the C2 level on the right side shows an abnormal elongated view of 12mm where the signal intensifies. A Dye was used.Cause for this is unknown. I also had several bulging discs at L1 through L5, spur formations in lower back, some disc narrowing in lower back and some mild stenosis at L 4 & L5. It has been suggested I have MS at age 57. M doctor wants a CSF Tap done. I cannot hold a fetal position due to severe hip and leg pain. Also I have COPD and Congestive Heart Failure and can't breathe well in this position. I have a Big problem..Any advice or similar pain or symptoms would be appreciated. You can e-mail me ( Nancy) at ;najo@brightok.net

4 Replies:

there is more than one position for a lumbar puncture. Take your x-rays to a highly qualified chriopractor. One that has many referals and ask for them before you let him touch you. Just ask them to take a look and see if they can help you out any.

I would recommend acupuncture for you over chiropractic in this case. Acupuncture can help with your pain, plus it is excellent for COPD, heart disease and other upper respiratory conditions. What meds are you currently taking? To find an acupuncturist near you log on to www.acufinder.com and type in your zip code. Because your symptoms are chronic, you need to give this time but please give this a try - it works wonders. Good luck.DOM

Take your mri's to a good pain management specialist, you could have a dysfunction of the sacroiliac....The bulging disks or spur could be pushing on the sciatic nerve. Since you have a dog, I would check into Lyme disease for the other burning , leg and foot pain symptoms. Lyme can mimick Ms and other things. Your back sounds alot like mine. Hope you get relief and feel better soon.

I'd be thinking pinched nerve. Then I'd be thinking...problem with a disc...then i'd be thinking...bone doc vs. neurologist....then I'd go to them for their thinking...both of them...weigh one against the other...